My ferret's mast cell tumor is bleeding. How do I clean it?

Is the tumor oozing? I assume it is if you need to clean it. Mast cell tumors anger very easily, so the least Amount of handling and touching you can do, the better. You may consider just using a warm water compress to the area, or if it is very large Consider rinsing with a turkey Baster and warm water. I’m so sorry Maple is sick. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Poor Wyland ! I would keep a close eye on it to ensure he isn't licking it and to ensue it isn't continuing to bleed. I would start him on Benadryl and continue it long term since he has a history of mast cell tumors. Mast cells release histamine so Benadryl is just a good preventative to help with any future outbreaks from any underlying mast cells. If the bleeding continues or the area doesn't look like it is healed, I would have your vet take another look at it. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

Hi Linda. I'm sorry to hear that Bugger has squamous cell carcinoma. If you're cleaning the wound simply to remove any build up of discharge, then saline alone is sufficient. However, if you're looking more for antiseptic properties, cleansers like chlorhexidine (Hibiclens is a trade name) or betadine are more effective. Either of these should be rinsed well with water. With that said, if his SCC is near his eye, avoid other cleansers, as they could cause eye irritation. Generally speaking, I try to avoid medications containing neomycin in cats because many cats can react poorly. Additionally, the dexamethasone may help minimize some inflammation, but is likely to delay any healing. Ultimately, your best option is to establish a care protocol with Bugger's vet since I don't know the extent of this lesion nor its location. In the meantime, you can stick with saline cleaning if the lesion is near his eye, or switch to the antiseptic cleansers mentioned above if the lesion is elsewhere. I hope that everything goes well.

You shoudl protect it from licking by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. You shoudl keep it clean and dry but only wash it if it gets dirty. Do not use hydrogen peroxide. You can apply a dab of organic coconut oil to it twice a day and rub it in well. Just so you know, a histiocytoma is the most likely cause based upon his age but a cancerous Mast Cell tumor can look exactly the same. It typically affects older pets but young pets can get it. When you can, I recommend to have the mass tested. Financing may be an option through Scratch Pay or Care Credit. I hope this helps.

You can clean the area with warm water and mild soap. If the area does not close within a day, continues to bleed, has a discharge, an odor or is increasing in size Bugsy needs to be seen by a veterinarian. He should also stay indoors until the area is healed.

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I would not use anti-itch cream. It is not harmful I just don't think it is the best thing to use. Using something like this wound gel would be better. ( ) When you look for a vet definitely get one that is used to treating ferrets. Also be sure you have him on a premium diet like Marshall's or Mazuri. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/basic-ferret-feeding-nutrition/ ) ( http://www.mazuri.com/mazuriferretdiet-1.aspx ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi there, It looks like Emily could either have an old injury that has become infected, or she may have an oil gland that has become infected. I would recommend having her checked by your vet, she may need a skin test and some antibiotics. In the meantime I'd recommend cleaning the area with a mild soap and rinsing it well to avoid leaving any residue, I hope that helps and thanks for using Pet Coach.